HMT Nellie Nutten
HMT Nellie Nutten. (Adty No 81) 11/07/1916
Displacement: 174 grt.
Length: 33m. Beam: 6.6 m. Draught: 3.5m
Propulsion: 1 x 3 cyl. triple expansion engine, single shaft, 1 screw
Machinery: Hall, Russell & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen
Complement: 14 officers and men.
Men Lost: 2 killed 1 x POW
Armament: 1 x 3 pdr
Displacement: 174 grt.
Length: 33m. Beam: 6.6 m. Draught: 3.5m
Propulsion: 1 x 3 cyl. triple expansion engine, single shaft, 1 screw
Machinery: Hall, Russell & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen
Complement: 14 officers and men.
Men Lost: 2 killed 1 x POW
Armament: 1 x 3 pdr
The steel trawler Nellie Nutten was built by Hall, Russell & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen in 1901 for Nutten, John E., Aberdeen and given registration A369. In 1907 sold to Dow & Carnie, Granton, Edinburgh and reregistered GN69. a year later The Nellie Nutten was taken over by Lyle Walter, Granton ,Edinburgh and retained the number GN96. from 1910 till the start of WW1 the Nellie Nutten was run by David Dow, Edinburgh. In 1914 was taken over by the Admiralty as a minesweeper.
House Flag For The Steam Trawler Nellie Nutten by Artist -Draughtsman At The Hall Russell Shipyard Image : Aberdeen Maritime Museum
History
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 27 May 1903
VESSELS AGROUND IN ABERDEEN CHANNEL Last night, about seven o'clock, the unusual spectacle of two vessels stranded was witnessed in the channel the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour. The Lady Bessie (Captain Gibb) entering with a cargo of cement from London, and owing to the low water she grounded. When the tide rose the vessel backed out to sea, and entered the port when the water was higher. The trawler Nellie Nutten, belonging to Messrs Nutten Brothers, fish merchants, Aberdeen, was making for the Market when she struck bottom, and remained fast for about an hour and a half until the the water rose, the trawler swung round, the stern facing Aberdeen: and the bow seawards; The vessel, therefore, headed out when floated, and turned round and steamed to her destination. Neither vessel suffered any damage.
VESSELS AGROUND IN ABERDEEN CHANNEL Last night, about seven o'clock, the unusual spectacle of two vessels stranded was witnessed in the channel the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour. The Lady Bessie (Captain Gibb) entering with a cargo of cement from London, and owing to the low water she grounded. When the tide rose the vessel backed out to sea, and entered the port when the water was higher. The trawler Nellie Nutten, belonging to Messrs Nutten Brothers, fish merchants, Aberdeen, was making for the Market when she struck bottom, and remained fast for about an hour and a half until the the water rose, the trawler swung round, the stern facing Aberdeen: and the bow seawards; The vessel, therefore, headed out when floated, and turned round and steamed to her destination. Neither vessel suffered any damage.
Lloyd's List - Monday 29 February 1904
FOR SALE. (Under instructions from Owner.)
SCREW Trawler NELLIE NUTTEN ; Built of Steel 1901 by Hall, Russell and Co, Aberdeen. Classed 100 Al at Lloyd's. Gras tonnage 184 tons, net 53 tons. Dimensions 106.4 ft. x 21.6 ft. x 11.5 ft. Engines Triple Expansion 12 1/2, 20, and 33 inches x 21-inch stroke. 1 s.o. Boiler, 140 lbs. w.p. 1 Steam Winch. Speed 10 1/2 knots on 14 1/2 tons. Fitted with Acetylene Gas. Apply Sole Brokers JOHN STEWART and Co., 82 Gordon Street, Glasgow. Telegrams - TOPMAST, GLASGOW.
FOR SALE. (Under instructions from Owner.)
SCREW Trawler NELLIE NUTTEN ; Built of Steel 1901 by Hall, Russell and Co, Aberdeen. Classed 100 Al at Lloyd's. Gras tonnage 184 tons, net 53 tons. Dimensions 106.4 ft. x 21.6 ft. x 11.5 ft. Engines Triple Expansion 12 1/2, 20, and 33 inches x 21-inch stroke. 1 s.o. Boiler, 140 lbs. w.p. 1 Steam Winch. Speed 10 1/2 knots on 14 1/2 tons. Fitted with Acetylene Gas. Apply Sole Brokers JOHN STEWART and Co., 82 Gordon Street, Glasgow. Telegrams - TOPMAST, GLASGOW.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 06 February 1907
Aberdeen Trawlers Sold.—The steam trawler Nellie Nutten, which belonged to Nutten Brothers, Aberdeen, has been sold Messrs Lyle and Cairnie, Granton.
Aberdeen Trawlers Sold.—The steam trawler Nellie Nutten, which belonged to Nutten Brothers, Aberdeen, has been sold Messrs Lyle and Cairnie, Granton.
The Scotsman - Monday 25 October 1909
SHIPPING NOTES AND CASUALTIES
COLLISION IN THE FORTH
The steam trawler Nellie Nutten, of Granton, and the Greenock schooner Return, came into collision at the mouth of the Firth of Forth on Saturday . The trawler received considerable damage to the bows, mostly on the starboard side, but above the water line, and put into Leith in the evening . The other vessel , which was bound Plymouth to Bo'ness with a cargo of scrap iron, had her head gear carried away . She drifted to westward , and was picked up in the vicinity of St Abb's Head by the steamer Garmoyle, and towed to Leith Roads.
SHIPPING NOTES AND CASUALTIES
COLLISION IN THE FORTH
The steam trawler Nellie Nutten, of Granton, and the Greenock schooner Return, came into collision at the mouth of the Firth of Forth on Saturday . The trawler received considerable damage to the bows, mostly on the starboard side, but above the water line, and put into Leith in the evening . The other vessel , which was bound Plymouth to Bo'ness with a cargo of scrap iron, had her head gear carried away . She drifted to westward , and was picked up in the vicinity of St Abb's Head by the steamer Garmoyle, and towed to Leith Roads.
The Loss
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 17 July 1916
THE SINKING OF CONVERTED TRAWLERS. ELEVEN SURVIVORS LANDED. Intimation of the disaster to British patrol ships of the converted trawler type was brought to north-east coast port on Friday, when the Dutch lugger Doggerbank, of Scheveningen, put in with eleven of the crew of the Nellie Nutten. It was stated that the patrol boats were surprised one or more enemy submarines, which directed upon the British vessels heavy gunfire at long range. Three of the crew of the Nellie Nutten were killed. the eleven survivors three sustained slight flesh wounds. There is no news yet of other patrol vessels similarly shelled. These were the Onward and Era. It is feared they have been lost with their crews. Each boat would carry 13 or 14 men.
THE SINKING OF CONVERTED TRAWLERS. ELEVEN SURVIVORS LANDED. Intimation of the disaster to British patrol ships of the converted trawler type was brought to north-east coast port on Friday, when the Dutch lugger Doggerbank, of Scheveningen, put in with eleven of the crew of the Nellie Nutten. It was stated that the patrol boats were surprised one or more enemy submarines, which directed upon the British vessels heavy gunfire at long range. Three of the crew of the Nellie Nutten were killed. the eleven survivors three sustained slight flesh wounds. There is no news yet of other patrol vessels similarly shelled. These were the Onward and Era. It is feared they have been lost with their crews. Each boat would carry 13 or 14 men.
Portsmouth Evening News - Monday 17 July 1916
PATROL BOATS SUNK. GUNS OUTRANGED BY SUBMARINES’.
News of an engagement with British patrol boats was brought to an East Coast port on Sunday by the Dutch fishing lugger Doggersbank, of Cheneninger. The lugger had board eleven of the crew of the Nellie Nutten, of Aberdeen, which had been sunk
by a submarine in the North Sea. Three of the crew had been killed by shell fire, and three were suffering from flesh wounds. The Hull patrol boat Onward was also reported to have been sunk at the same time, and it is feared that all the crew have been lest.
The patrol boats were surprised by two or more submarines on Thursday evening. The submarines opened heavy fire at long range, concentrating their volleys first on one boat, then on the other. The patrol boats, which are lightly armed, were outranged by the submarines, and though they put up a splendid fight they were unable cope with the bigger guns of the enemy boats and went down fighting. The patrol trawler Era has also been sunk by German submarines. The same fate is recorded of the steam trawler Recorder, North Shields. Her crew have been landed. The British steamers Antigua and Ecclesia are reported sunk. They were not armed. The steamer Sylvie is also reported sunk. The crews of two steamers which had been mined off the East Coast were brought into Lowestoft yesterday. One was the Alto, of Newcastle, with a crew of 22, and the other the Mopsa, of Gole, from Goole to Boulogne with general cargo and a crew of 18. No lives were lost, and no one was injured, but one or two suffered from shock.
PATROL BOATS SUNK. GUNS OUTRANGED BY SUBMARINES’.
News of an engagement with British patrol boats was brought to an East Coast port on Sunday by the Dutch fishing lugger Doggersbank, of Cheneninger. The lugger had board eleven of the crew of the Nellie Nutten, of Aberdeen, which had been sunk
by a submarine in the North Sea. Three of the crew had been killed by shell fire, and three were suffering from flesh wounds. The Hull patrol boat Onward was also reported to have been sunk at the same time, and it is feared that all the crew have been lest.
The patrol boats were surprised by two or more submarines on Thursday evening. The submarines opened heavy fire at long range, concentrating their volleys first on one boat, then on the other. The patrol boats, which are lightly armed, were outranged by the submarines, and though they put up a splendid fight they were unable cope with the bigger guns of the enemy boats and went down fighting. The patrol trawler Era has also been sunk by German submarines. The same fate is recorded of the steam trawler Recorder, North Shields. Her crew have been landed. The British steamers Antigua and Ecclesia are reported sunk. They were not armed. The steamer Sylvie is also reported sunk. The crews of two steamers which had been mined off the East Coast were brought into Lowestoft yesterday. One was the Alto, of Newcastle, with a crew of 22, and the other the Mopsa, of Gole, from Goole to Boulogne with general cargo and a crew of 18. No lives were lost, and no one was injured, but one or two suffered from shock.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 28 October 1918
ABERDEEN TRAWLERS' FIGHT WITH U-BOATS. OUTRANGED BY SUBMARINES. An engagement in which the trawler crews concerned covered themselves with glory is worthy of description. was fought when oar patrol vessels carried smaller guns than they do now, but although outclassed in gun power and speed, the trawler men gave a splendid exhibition of their indomitable spirit. The vessels concerned were H.M. armed trawlers Onward, Era. and Nellie and they were patrolling the neighbourhood of the North Sea fishing grounds. The skipper of the Nellie Nutten has given a straightforward account the action in which he took honourable part. He says— At about 5.15 p.m., while on patrol, the Onward put up his submarine flag. looking the north-eastward we saw a submarine. We bore down on the submarine, dropping the Era astern, and soon after the Onward opened fire, and I followed. Fire was immediately returned by the submarine. After we had fired considerable number shots, which fell short, we suddenly saw another submarine coming from a more easterly direction out of a cloud of smoke. A third appeared from the south-east, and a fourth from the southward: We had been running to the W.S.W. for about three-quarters of an hour when we got a shot through our stern, and the next round hit our sweep, which exploded, disabling us, and setting fire to the stem of the ship. I saw the Era on fire, and two submarines near her. All three ships had been firing at the submarines without effect, they being out of range. Finding my ship helpless, I started towards Dutch lugger which lay near, and the crew and myself jumped on board, our vessel sinking under stern first! When we last saw Onward _ she was not under control, steam was escaping from her, and two submarines were close to her. The Era was in flames. When I looked again both vessels were gone. The Dutchmen treated us with great kindness, and every hospitality was accorded to us.
ABERDEEN TRAWLERS' FIGHT WITH U-BOATS. OUTRANGED BY SUBMARINES. An engagement in which the trawler crews concerned covered themselves with glory is worthy of description. was fought when oar patrol vessels carried smaller guns than they do now, but although outclassed in gun power and speed, the trawler men gave a splendid exhibition of their indomitable spirit. The vessels concerned were H.M. armed trawlers Onward, Era. and Nellie and they were patrolling the neighbourhood of the North Sea fishing grounds. The skipper of the Nellie Nutten has given a straightforward account the action in which he took honourable part. He says— At about 5.15 p.m., while on patrol, the Onward put up his submarine flag. looking the north-eastward we saw a submarine. We bore down on the submarine, dropping the Era astern, and soon after the Onward opened fire, and I followed. Fire was immediately returned by the submarine. After we had fired considerable number shots, which fell short, we suddenly saw another submarine coming from a more easterly direction out of a cloud of smoke. A third appeared from the south-east, and a fourth from the southward: We had been running to the W.S.W. for about three-quarters of an hour when we got a shot through our stern, and the next round hit our sweep, which exploded, disabling us, and setting fire to the stem of the ship. I saw the Era on fire, and two submarines near her. All three ships had been firing at the submarines without effect, they being out of range. Finding my ship helpless, I started towards Dutch lugger which lay near, and the crew and myself jumped on board, our vessel sinking under stern first! When we last saw Onward _ she was not under control, steam was escaping from her, and two submarines were close to her. The Era was in flames. When I looked again both vessels were gone. The Dutchmen treated us with great kindness, and every hospitality was accorded to us.
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The Explosive Paravane, or Submarine Sweep
In the above newspaper article the skipper of HMT Nellie Nutten reported the ''sweep'' being hit which exploded. The sweep is a paravane that is towed and would explode when in contact with a submerged U-Boat. In the KTB of U-52 there is a description of a shell hitting one of the trawlers and the ready use ammunition exploded, but this was most likely the sweep being hit and disabling HMT Nellie Nutten. 
Destroyer towing explosive sweep.
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Explosive sweep
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SMS U-24 (Kptlt. Rudolf Schneider)
KTB Chart U-24
Translation from KTB U-24.
08.25 Stb 4 line ahead, in the vicinity of 2 fishing trawlers, which are heading for the U 46 on the right, are observed. The trawlers are firing again. it is turned with G.F. against the fishing trawlers and fire is opened at 80 hm (8000m)
In the meantime, a third fishing trawler has been seen. U 52 on the left side of the group, also intervenes in the battle.
The steamers turn to a NW course, they move on and in the ongoing battle a hit is made on the middle steamer, which is followed by a high explosion.
The steamer remains burning astern. Fire is turned to the third newly arrived steamer, this received hits also and is stopped.
Battle is called off. since U 52, U 46 and U 69 have entered the two steamers. I go to the nearby steamer that has been left behind first, which was heading for a Dutch fishing vessel in a sinking state.
Since there is no one on board anymore, the steamer is completely sunk by grenade fire. A man swimming in water is taken in and made a prisoner.
According to the prisoner's statement, the steamer Nellie Nutten from Aberdeen was guardboat, had a 3 pdr gun on board and U-boat search and explosive sweep. The steamship was between neutral fishing boats.
During the battle, the chief engineer and a sailor were killed. The remaining 10 men of the crew have saved themselves on a Dutch fishing boat.
Wreck Position:
57 6' N
00 58'E
Since it is now 11.45 we go on course 180 and march back.
gez. Schneider
In the meantime, a third fishing trawler has been seen. U 52 on the left side of the group, also intervenes in the battle.
The steamers turn to a NW course, they move on and in the ongoing battle a hit is made on the middle steamer, which is followed by a high explosion.
The steamer remains burning astern. Fire is turned to the third newly arrived steamer, this received hits also and is stopped.
Battle is called off. since U 52, U 46 and U 69 have entered the two steamers. I go to the nearby steamer that has been left behind first, which was heading for a Dutch fishing vessel in a sinking state.
Since there is no one on board anymore, the steamer is completely sunk by grenade fire. A man swimming in water is taken in and made a prisoner.
According to the prisoner's statement, the steamer Nellie Nutten from Aberdeen was guardboat, had a 3 pdr gun on board and U-boat search and explosive sweep. The steamship was between neutral fishing boats.
During the battle, the chief engineer and a sailor were killed. The remaining 10 men of the crew have saved themselves on a Dutch fishing boat.
Wreck Position:
57 6' N
00 58'E
Since it is now 11.45 we go on course 180 and march back.
gez. Schneider
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SMS U-46 (Kptlt. Leo Hillebrand )
Ahead 2 steamers with SE course in sight. Steamers turn towards U 69. U 69 opens fire. Fire opened on steamer. Distance 46 hm (4600m) from SW U 24. Both in battle. after a few hits, steamers turn off to NW. pursuit taken up.
Target is lead steamer.
Distance 66 hm (6600m). Through zigzag courses, the vehicles search with good success. Steamer stopped fire from a 4.7 cm gun .
After the other two steamers had already stopped then U 52 entered the battle from the west, The steamer was abandoned. Approached at a closer distance and gave the steamer several more hits to be sure that there is no trap. In the near with U 52 . Steamer sinks quicker than thought. (this was HMT Onward)
Target is lead steamer.
Distance 66 hm (6600m). Through zigzag courses, the vehicles search with good success. Steamer stopped fire from a 4.7 cm gun .
After the other two steamers had already stopped then U 52 entered the battle from the west, The steamer was abandoned. Approached at a closer distance and gave the steamer several more hits to be sure that there is no trap. In the near with U 52 . Steamer sinks quicker than thought. (this was HMT Onward)
The Wreck
The UKHO have no Wreck Card for HMT Nellie Nutten. The position for the sinking from the KTB for HMT Nellie Nutten is in the middle of the Triton Oil Field. There is a wreck of a trawler (wreck Card 2479) 1.3 NM away to the NW of the KTB position for the sinking and this may be HMT Nellie Nutten or HMT Era or HMT Onward.
Crew Lost
Name - BRUCE, Alfred,
DOB - 6th May 1892
Place of Birth - Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
Parents - Son of James Bruce, of Peterhead
Early History - Husband of Elizabeth Bruce, of 1 South Esplanade, Torry, Aberdeen,
Rank - Trimmer, RNR, TS 1276
Service History - Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 18 July 1916
SEAMAN A. BRUCE. Information has been received that Seaman Alfred Bruce, youngest son of James Bruce, cooper, Peterhead, was killed the sinking of the trawler Nellie Nutten on 11th inst. Seaman Bruce was married, and his widow resides 1 South Esplanade West, Aberdeen. He was 25 years of age.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Monday 17 July 1916
CITY SEAMAN'S FATE. Killed in the Attack on the Nellie Nutten.
Information has been received that Seaman Alfred Bruce, youngest son of James Bruce, cooper, Peterhead, was killed in the sinking of the trawler Nellie on 11th inst-. Seaman Bruce was married, and his widow resides at 1 South Esplanade West, Aberdeen. He was 25 years of age.
DOB - 6th May 1892
Place of Birth - Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
Parents - Son of James Bruce, of Peterhead
Early History - Husband of Elizabeth Bruce, of 1 South Esplanade, Torry, Aberdeen,
Rank - Trimmer, RNR, TS 1276
Service History - Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 18 July 1916
SEAMAN A. BRUCE. Information has been received that Seaman Alfred Bruce, youngest son of James Bruce, cooper, Peterhead, was killed the sinking of the trawler Nellie Nutten on 11th inst. Seaman Bruce was married, and his widow resides 1 South Esplanade West, Aberdeen. He was 25 years of age.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Monday 17 July 1916
CITY SEAMAN'S FATE. Killed in the Attack on the Nellie Nutten.
Information has been received that Seaman Alfred Bruce, youngest son of James Bruce, cooper, Peterhead, was killed in the sinking of the trawler Nellie on 11th inst-. Seaman Bruce was married, and his widow resides at 1 South Esplanade West, Aberdeen. He was 25 years of age.
Sources:
CWGC
BT 377/7/111198
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
ADM 242: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War
CWGC
BT 377/7/111198
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
ADM 242: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War
Name - FRANCIS, Hugh,
DOB - 24th May 1867
Place of Birth - Rothesay, Buteshire
Parents - Son of the late Benjamin Francis and Margaret Topin Francis, of Rothesay
Early History - Husband of Jessie Taylor Francis, of 24 South Esplanade, East End, Torry, Aberdeen,
Rank - Engineman, RNR, ES 804
Service History - Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 24 July 1916
CASUALTIES IN THE SERVICES.
THE NAVY
The Secretary to the Admiralty announces the following casualties:--
H.M. SHIPS.
Killed.
Engineman H. Francis R.N.R.
DOB - 24th May 1867
Place of Birth - Rothesay, Buteshire
Parents - Son of the late Benjamin Francis and Margaret Topin Francis, of Rothesay
Early History - Husband of Jessie Taylor Francis, of 24 South Esplanade, East End, Torry, Aberdeen,
Rank - Engineman, RNR, ES 804
Service History - Remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 24 July 1916
CASUALTIES IN THE SERVICES.
THE NAVY
The Secretary to the Admiralty announces the following casualties:--
H.M. SHIPS.
Killed.
Engineman H. Francis R.N.R.
Sources:
CWGC
BT 377/7/130203
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
ADM 242: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923
CWGC
BT 377/7/130203
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
ADM 242: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War
WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923
Prisoner of War
Name - Taylor. Andrew.
DOB - 21st June 1879
Place of Birth - Buchanhaven, Aberdeenshire
Parents - Son of James & Jane Taylor.
Early History - Husband of Mrs Taylor, 1 Keith Street, Peterhead,
Rank - Seaman R.N.R. 3000 C
Service History - Andrew Taylor was onboard HMT Nellie Nutten but all the other surviving crew were rescued by the Dutch Lugger ''Doggerbank'' and landed in Scotland. The U 24 picked Seaman Andrew Taylor from the water and he was made a POW. It is unknown why he was left behind.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 09 August 1916
PETERHEAD GUNNER WRONGLY REPORTED KILLED. The welcome news has been received Mrs Taylor, 1 Keith Street, Peterhead, that her husband, Andrew Taylor, who had been reported killed, is a prisoner war in Germany. Taylor was a gunner on board the patrol boat Nellie Nutten, which was sunk by a German submarine.
PETERHEAD GUNNER WRONGLY REPORTED KILLED. The welcome news has been received Mrs Taylor, 1 Keith Street, Peterhead, that her husband, Andrew Taylor, who had been reported killed, is a prisoner war in Germany. Taylor was a gunner on board the patrol boat Nellie Nutten, which was sunk by a German submarine.
Sources:
BT 377/7/35241
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
BT 377/7/35241
www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Survivors
The Scotsman - Wednesday 19 July 1916
FISHERROW SURVIVORS OF THE NELLIE- NUTTEN . Among the survivors of the patrol vessel 'Nellie Nutten' brought into 'an East Coast port after their vessel had been sunk by an attack by German submarines are two Fisherrow young fishermen—Deck Hand Robert Brown, son of Mr. John Brown , fish merchant , Bridge- Street , Musselburgh ; and Deck Hand James Hooker, grandson of Skipper David Hooker, Caird's Row, Fisherrow .
FISHERROW SURVIVORS OF THE NELLIE- NUTTEN . Among the survivors of the patrol vessel 'Nellie Nutten' brought into 'an East Coast port after their vessel had been sunk by an attack by German submarines are two Fisherrow young fishermen—Deck Hand Robert Brown, son of Mr. John Brown , fish merchant , Bridge- Street , Musselburgh ; and Deck Hand James Hooker, grandson of Skipper David Hooker, Caird's Row, Fisherrow .
